Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Barbara started volunteering in the kitchen at the Risley-based hospice after retiring and was stunned to receive the news.

She said: “When I got the letter, I thought it was something to do with voting so I got my neighbour to open it for me! I was shocked because so many other people do so much more than me. I don’t volunteer for a medal - I do it because I love it.

“I’ve been at Treetops for 17 years, after I left work aged 64. There’s nowhere else like it. I love talking to the guests and I just love the feeling you get when you come here. I hope it never goes, never changes.

“You have to give. You’ve got to give as much, if not more, to what you’re doing. I’d do even more here if I weren’t 80!”